coriandrum sativum
Umbelliferae
Leaf Cilantro

Santo flowers late - that means bigger harvests. Harvest the leaves (cilantro) and the seeds (coriander) of this versatile herb for varied culinary treats. This annual herb has an unmistakable strong, sharp scent and taste that has become the staple ingredient in salsa and other Mexican dishes. A member of the carrot family, Cilantro Santo grows slow and steady, allowing you to keep harvesting leaves when others have already bolted to seed. After the 2-4 inch pale cream flower umbels have formed, allow them to go to seed. Cut and dry the heads, harvesting the seeds and using them as the spice coriander. Coriander can be used whole or ground in curries, Oriental dishes, and savory baked goods.Cilantro is not fussy about soil. Just plant in any full sun site. Sow small patches at 2-3 week intervals for an extended harvest all season long.

Slow to Bolt and Absolutely Delicious! The foliage is ferny and highly aromatic! There has never been a Cilantro as showy as Delfino! The foliage is ferny rather than large-leafed, for a splendid ornamental look. And the flavor is pure Cilantro -- highly aromatic, rich and spicy. This plant is ideal for harvesting both Cilantro from the leaves and Coriander from the seeds, and is very easy and quick to grow in any sunny spot! Best of all, it's very slow to bolt. And for all of these reasons, it has received an All-America Selection Award, marking it as the most distinctive and high-performing Cilantro you can grow!Delfino reaches 20 inches high and about a foot wide, with a lacework of ferny stems. You might want to plant it in a container or near a walkway in the garden, so that you can brush against this highly scented plant. In late spring and early summer, it sets charming 1/2-inch lavender flowers, which in turn go to seed. If you're harvesting the seeds for Coriander, just wait until they turn from green to brown, then pluck them.Cilantro is used in Mexican, Thai, Chinese, and Indian cooking. It is a staple of great Salsa, with a very spicy bite that complements the acidity of Tomatoes and limes nicely. Pick fresh leaves all summer long! And Coriander is a fragrant spice widely used in Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine. Fresh Cilantro and Coriander from your garden are infinitely more aromatic and flavorful than most store-bought versions, so consider adding it to your vegetable garden this season!Give Delfino full sunshine and any moist, well-drained garden soil. Hold off on fertilizers that contain nitrogen, which could reduce the flavor of the leaves and seeds. This is a very quick-growing herb, setting leaves that can be harvested just 4 to 5 weeks after sowing the seed!


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